Overheard

A FedEx Ground package processing facility in northeast Springfield will undergo an expansion in late summer or early fall of 2009, FedEx officials have confirmed. Chesterfield-based Keystone Construction Co. built the 63,000-square-foot office/warehouse complex on nine acres at 2960 N. Martin Ave. in 2004. MSSD LLC owns the property near Partnership Industrial Center. A FedEx spokeswoman said the Springfield facility was one of about 300 nationwide selected for expansion or relocation due to customer growth and demand. The size of the planned addition has not yet been determined.

Blunt Shocks State

Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt surprisingly announced Jan. 22 that he would not run for a second term in this year’s election. “The habit of politicians is to remain in office and the desire to prove oneself in the next election is strong,” Blunt said in a TV address. “After a great deal of thought and prayer, and with the knowledge that we have achieved virtually everything I set out to accomplish, and more, I will not seek a second term in the upcoming election.” Blunt said he has spent more time away from wife Melanie and son William Branch than he would like, and “we are ready for the next chapter in our lives.”

Springfield Business Journal sources have speculated that Blunt and Republic presidential candidate Mitt Romney would make a good team. Blunt has publicly supported Romney. Missouri Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder and House Speaker Rod Jetton are considering running for governor on the Republican ticket, against Democratic Attorney General Jay Nixon.

Gem of a Name

KCR International Trucks in Springfield will become Diamond International on Feb. 1 as part of its parent company’s rebranding efforts. The Springfield dealership, 1529 E. Chestnut Expressway, is one of 12 in Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee and Kansas that will pick up the new name and logo under parent company Diamond Cos., according to a company news release.

With more than 600 employees, Diamond Cos. also includes the Diamond State Bus Co. and Diamond Idea Lease. Management will be unchanged at all locations. Company officials said in the release that the rebranding positions the company for growth this year and beyond.

Bank Backs JVIC

The Roy Blunt Jordan Valley Innovation Center has received its first corporate gift in the form of a $125,000 donation from the Bank of America Charitable Foundation. Missouri State University announced the gift Jan. 23. Funds will be used for the construction of an electromagnetic device fabrication laboratory, one of a limited number nationwide.

“Bank of America recognizes the importance and role of applied and basic research in economic development,” said MSU Vice President for Research and Economic Development Jim Baker in a news release. “We are very grateful for Bank of America’s support. This is the lead gift that will hopefully stimulate other companies to invest in the research enterprise of JVIC.” [[In-content Ad]]